Unusual bone involvement in congenital syphilis mimicking the battered child syndrome

Congenital syphilis is re-emerging in modern society. The pediatric radiologist may contribute to its early diagnosis. A case of unusual bone involvement with fracture of the olecranon and facial bone lesions is described; the condition had to be differentiated from the "battered child syndrome". The problem of congenital syphilis as an infectious disease versus bone dystrophy is also discussed.